View from Top of Atlas V Rocket

September 08, 2011

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crane positions the 106.5-foot-long first stage of the Atlas V rocket for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V, in the 541 configuration with four solid rocket boosters attached, will be used to loft MSL into space. Curiosity has 10 science instruments to search for evidence about whether Mars has had environments favorable for microbial life, including chemical ingredients for life. MSL is scheduled to launch Nov. 25. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/msl.